Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Results of Jan 19 MRI

February 1, 2017

Hi, Tracy.
I've returned from a week in Mazatlan and my test results were waiting for me. I had an x-ray and MRI before I left to determine whether my prostate had changed significantly before I begin radiation, and most likely to figure out how to calibrate the radiation when I get treatment. On Thursday I go in for my first radiation as well as a consult on the schedule for this procedure over the next two months.

Here is a summary statement of the January 19 scan:

MRI OF THE PELVIS WITHOUT CONTRAST 1/19/2017:

HISTORY: Preradiation planning, repeat needed due to delay in initiation of radiation therapy.
(The "repeat" comment refers to the postponment of radiation due to taking vacation.)

TECHNIQUE AND FINDINGS: Axial T2-weighted images were obtained through the pelvis without contrast for the purposes of radiation treatment planning. The prostate gland is enlarged. There is no adenopathy. Visualized marrow signal is unremarkable. There is a focus of dark T2 signal in the left peripheral zone posteriorly which may correspond to the primary tumor. No extraprostatic tumor extension is appreciated.

("Adenopathy" refers to enlargment of lymph nodes. "T2 signals"  in magnetic resonance imaging are signals that occur when protons begin to relax and wobble after their subjection to a magnetic field causes them to align. The comment makes me wonder whether the tumor(s) that were not detected before -- except via biopsy -- are now visible to MRI. Something to ask on Thursday.)

Love,
Dad

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